Top 10 Behaviors of Link

YanRocky
The Hero of Time is commonly perceived as one of the most courageous, valiant, and respected protagonists in the history of the Legend of Zelda series, if not the history of gaming. Starring in just two games for the Nintendo 64 (and now the 3DS! ), the Hero of Time has proven himself a champion of the people in countless ways with no task being too great or too small; from reversing a global apocalypse to returning a stray puppy. It's no wonder that his deeds and accomplishments have elevated his profile the world over; being praised and beloved by all... or so it would seem.

Player agency is a funny thing; hand someone a controller and an option to do wrong, and you'll find that more often than not they won't always do right! The phrase "What would happen if..." can be a very dangerous question to ask a developer, but when they do choose to program in an answer, players often benefit from discovering a hidden experience, even though it may not blend well with the character's established idiom. What this means, is that while The Hero of Time may be outwardly just and kind, his goodly nature is merely skin-deep, blurring a seedy underbelly of secretive programming scenarios and alternative event triggers that paint a wildly different picture of our established hero.

The Hero of Time is a BAD LINK [insert URL joke here]. Sure, he's one of many Links out there, and they may all suffer from the same internal desire to smash people's pots, fence stolen property, slash at innocent cuccos, and tresspass with reckless abandon, but no other Link can attest to the shear level of mischief, greed, and outright villainy displayed in secret by the N64's "boy without a fairy." Personally, I blame his upbringing; it's hard to be a parent when you're an immobile piece of foliage.

This list will look at 10 different examples of the Hero of Time's more secretive behaviors; reviewing some of the more obscure actions he may carry out during the course of his two adventures. While each event will be discussed in detail, additional steps will be provided for disbelievers in the event they may wish to see these events first-hand for themselves (perish the thought! ).

Please note that a minor *spoiler alert* is in effect, although nothing is crucial to the plot for either game

The Top Ten

1He's a Murderer - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Let's not fool ourselves; Link gets a lot of use out of his weaponry. He slays all manner of beasts, ghosts, demons, dragons, and mechanical monstrosities, but rarely does he go after the people he interacts with. Sure there's villains like Ganondorf, but in fairness those final battles are more along the lines of self defense. He'd never resort to such drastic measures if it wasn't a life or death situation, right? Right? - YanRocky

2He's a Thief - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Link of Link's Awakening is probably the franchise's most well known thief, but all Links steal, and the Hero of Time is no exception. The difference seems to be that other Links steal for some level of personal gain, whereas this Link is just out for mayhem - YanRocky

3He's a Sadist - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Make some return trips to the Deku Palace, and you'll have a few choice words from the guards. Did you come to see the foolish monkey again? You seem to enjoy seeing him! The Deku are apparently an excellent judge of character - YanRocky

4He'll Do Anything For Money - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Head over to Great Bay and you'll find that Zora Eggs are a highly valuable commodity; sought after by Gerudo Pirates, Zoras, Sea Snakes, and of course that guy at the Marine Research Lab. Head to Clock Town however, and you'll find they're not nearly as desirable - YanRocky

He smashes other people's pots! That's just wrong.

5He'll Refuse Your Gifts - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Refusing a gift from royalty will normally ensure your next gift is from the King's headsman. Unfortunately for King Zora, his entourage is stuck under a layer of ice - YanRocky

6 He'll Make You Look Foolish - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Good leaders lead by example and by earning the respect of their followers. Despite the Hero of Time having quite literally all the time in the world at his disposal, he chose to skip all that and jump straight to mind control - YanRocky

7He'll Invade Your Privacy - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

The Swordsman from the Training Center appears an outwardly bold fellow, with a mind as sharp as his blade and a smell as powerful as someone who bathes at least once a month (confirmed by the Mask of Scents). While other denizens of Clock Town begin to show signs of panic over the falling moon, the Swordsman just sits calmly at his post. Talking to him on the third Night will reveal his plan; he tells you not to fear, and that he himself will cut the moon to pieces - YanRocky

8He'll Cause Trouble - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

It takes a big payroll to maintain and secure Hyrule Castle, from the patrolmen in the courtyard to the stationary forces outside. Sure, the theening bud at the gate might let you slip by for 10 rupees, but the other guards won't tolerate your nonsense - YanRocky

9He'll Hurt Your Profit Margins - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

The Zoras of Great Bay are already facing an economic and ecological crisis by the time Link arrives. The murky waters stemming from Great Bay Temple have created a food shortage, leaving the Zoras to import fish from rivers to eat, and that takes money. One ambitious Zora has taken it upon himself to create a game to help generate revenues for their tribe; a simple game of breaking pots. Break them all at once, and you win 30 rupees, but win or lose, he'll still deduct 10 rupees for replacing the pots you broke. It helps keep his game in operation, and helps pump a few more coins into resolving their food shortage - YanRocky

10He'll Scare You for No Reason - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Some people complete sidequests to help the world around them, while others complete them for personal gain. Link seems to do it just to annoy people - YanRocky